Proof

Many people from church ask us, "Does Avery ever talk?" Our reply is always a resounding, "ALL THE TIME". But most people know Avery as the little girl who says little and never smiles. We finally were able to shoot a video that proves otherwise. This is Avery "reading" a book to Adam. And as a bonus feature, we have some giggles from our little guy.

Seven Months

Sweet little guy is sitting up! He started around Christmas time, but now he sits up without the help of pillows. He does very well, unless his sister decides to push him over.

Cousins Everywhere

We had the privilege of spending Christmas in the mountains of Tennessee. The whole Judd family rented a cabin for Christmas and the following week. I didn't take many pictures of the log cabin itself, but I took lots of cousin pictures (including some from Christmas morning in Charlotte).

Christmas Morning!!

Nana and Papa with their eight grandkiddos

The siblings

Benjamin held Adam at every photo shoot (and there were several)

Katie Beth with Ave and Mary Scott

Nana with her youngest grandchild

Thanks, Judds, for such a great Christmas!

Our Princess

Avery had the privilege of attending her first all girl birthday party right before Christmas. Her friend Gwyneth was turning four and having a Princess Tea Party. We dressed up Avery in an outfit that most closely resembled a princess dress, and the first thing she said was, "Show Daddy dress?". She's crazy about her Dad.

The next thing she said was, "I Princess". She is obsessed with being a princess now and asks to put on her dress at least two or three times a week. It's amazing how quickly girls fall in love with looking good.

Gwyneth's Aunt Maggie was sweet enough to help Avery decorate her crown

Doesn't she look so happy? She never smiled or talked the whole time she was at the party. But now she talks about it all the time.

Killian, Gwyneth's little brother (who is closer to Avery's age) had a blast putting together his crown. I think the flannel shirt really completes the outfit.

The beautiful tea setup

Libby and Vara enjoying lunch

The Birthday Girl.

A Few Firsts

Adam's first try at rice cereal

And, since you can probably see that Adam's hair is a bit long in the front, Cathy gave Adam his first haircut while we were in Tennesee. To be honest, I made an attempt, then chickened out, and then Cathy took over.

Just enjoying the ride

Now he looks like a little boy!

Crafting in Tennessee

The Judds went to Tennessee for Christmas and the following week (more pictures of that fantastic week in the next post). While we were there, the sisters-in-law, inspired by Monica, decided to craft a nativity set that each family could take back with them. When I first saw the set, I was not exactly thrilled to try it, since it was made out of felt. I'm not the closest friends with felt. But I wanted to spend quality time with the girls, and this craft provided plenty of opportunity for quality time. This is the original inspiration, from the Pioneer Woman blog:

We made a few changes, including painting the wooden blocks a cream color. Heather and I distressed our blocks, and I decided to use leftover scrapbook paper instead of felt. Here's how it turned out:

Baby Jesus, Jofus, and Murray (Avery's description of the Holy Family)

The angel, cow, and donkey

The shepherd and his sheep

These men were some high maintenance Magi, but the results were worthwhile.

Thanks, Monica, for a great idea! (And yes, I actually do love it!)